Beyond

He climbed to the top of a tall cypress tree All his fertile countryside world he could see His father’s fields, neighbor’s houses, and kin folk’s, too For seventeen years, the only world he knew College and military brought changes galore Stretched his knowledge and character even more In hindsight, realizes how far he has come From those years on that South Carolina farm To be localized has rewards and blessings Gives life a simpler pace though sometimes boring Keeping close to family, neighbors, and friends Building memories that linger long within Yet, far beyond those familiar childhood walls He found healthy growth in academic halls Taught to be a man by military aid Great character builders that will never fade So much was gained through seminary studies Treasures that have guided him like a ship’s rudder Learned to serve others with care and compassion To be grateful to God for His redemption This man will never know what life might have been Had he remained in his country boyhood den Now, he’s glad and satisfied to have found and gained More life beyond those dirt fields and cotton gins